The I Ching, which translates to the Book of Changes, is one of the few surviving books from the beginnings of Chinese history. It is believed to have been used as a divination tool nearly 3,000 years ago by shamans, and continues to be used today. The I Ching differs from fortune telling as the decision lies in us rather than a foretold fate completely independent of what we may or may not do. The oldest oracles confined themselves to the answers yes and no, and this is the foundation of the I Ching. “Yes” was indicated by a solid line while “no” was represented by a broken line. These single lines were then paired and later a third line was added to the combinations, forming the eight trigrams. These trigrams were designed to show what happened
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Because these are all unbroken lines, this hexagram provides an “unrestricted outpouring of benevolent energy from the heavens,” making it possible to progress quickly and profoundly, attaining success. (Walker) However, one must remain humble, accepting and righteous in order to receive this assistance from the Universe.
The second hexagram, K’un, the Receptive, is composed of only broken lines and its image earth, making it the perfect compliment to chi’en. The broken line represents the yielding, receptive power of yin. This is a time when one listens and follows. It is a time for solitude, to focus on the purification of our hearts and minds in order to become receptive to the guidance of the Universe.
The third hexagram is Chun, Difficulty at the Beginning. Chun translates to a blade of grass pushing against an obstacle as it sprouts out of the earth. The image is of k’an (water) over chen (thunder). This means that one must persevere while in a chaotic situation. Doing so can bring great …show more content…
Its image is of the ken (mountain) over k’an (water). This image counsels inexperienced youth to seek advice from the wise, as this helps us find success quicker.
The fifth hexagram is Hsu, Waiting (Nourishment). The image is k’an (water) over ch’ien (heaven). This guides one to be strong and patient while waiting for the danger that comes with the abysmal rain to subside. This waiting is not just hoping, but having the certainty of reaching one’s goal. This leads to the perseverance that will bring good fortune and success in crossing the great water.
The sixth hexagram is Sung, Conflict. The image is ch’ien (heaven) over k’an (water). This image creates the idea of conflict because heaven has an upward movement while water flows downward. This image conveys that we must resolve a conflict at the beginning by disengaging our ego and meeting our opponent halfway.
The seventh hexagram is Shih, the Army. The image is of k’un (earth) over k’an (water). The attributes of these trigrams are danger on the inside, such as an army, and obedience on the outside. This is the discipline learned under a strong general. This hexagram shows us to conduct ourselves in a genuine, humane way at all times as only those will evoke solid support among their
Because these are all unbroken lines, this hexagram provides an “unrestricted outpouring of benevolent energy from the heavens,” making it possible to progress quickly and profoundly, attaining success. (Walker) However, one must remain humble, accepting and righteous in order to receive this assistance from the Universe.
The second hexagram, K’un, the Receptive, is composed of only broken lines and its image earth, making it the perfect compliment to chi’en. The broken line represents the yielding, receptive power of yin. This is a time when one listens and follows. It is a time for solitude, to focus on the purification of our hearts and minds in order to become receptive to the guidance of the Universe.
The third hexagram is Chun, Difficulty at the Beginning. Chun translates to a blade of grass pushing against an obstacle as it sprouts out of the earth. The image is of k’an (water) over chen (thunder). This means that one must persevere while in a chaotic situation. Doing so can bring great …show more content…
Its image is of the ken (mountain) over k’an (water). This image counsels inexperienced youth to seek advice from the wise, as this helps us find success quicker.
The fifth hexagram is Hsu, Waiting (Nourishment). The image is k’an (water) over ch’ien (heaven). This guides one to be strong and patient while waiting for the danger that comes with the abysmal rain to subside. This waiting is not just hoping, but having the certainty of reaching one’s goal. This leads to the perseverance that will bring good fortune and success in crossing the great water.
The sixth hexagram is Sung, Conflict. The image is ch’ien (heaven) over k’an (water). This image creates the idea of conflict because heaven has an upward movement while water flows downward. This image conveys that we must resolve a conflict at the beginning by disengaging our ego and meeting our opponent halfway.
The seventh hexagram is Shih, the Army. The image is of k’un (earth) over k’an (water). The attributes of these trigrams are danger on the inside, such as an army, and obedience on the outside. This is the discipline learned under a strong general. This hexagram shows us to conduct ourselves in a genuine, humane way at all times as only those will evoke solid support among their